Overview
- Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on November 1, 2026 that the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are designated as 'terrorist organisations' and that MI6 is classed as a 'hostile group', with the measures taking immediate effect.
- Tehran said the designations followed a Supreme National Security Council resolution and were taken in reciprocity for the UK’s July 13 decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under the State Threats Act 2026.
- British authorities continue a counter‑terror probe into a late‑September security incident near RAF Fairford that led to several arrests and court charges; prosecutors have alleged one defendant attempted to assist Iranian intelligence.
- Iran accused the UK of enabling US and Israeli operations by permitting use of military and logistical facilities on British territory and warned London it would be held responsible for any consequences of the new designations.
- Coverage of the dispute varies and key public claims remain contested because UK attribution relies on classified intelligence; the move raises the risk of further diplomatic, legal and operational frictions between Tehran and London.